I just heard that my zodiac sign might be changing. That is, if you base your Zodiac sign on the ancient method of reading the zodiac based on the stars which is the original and arguably the correct method. A new term Ophiuchus has further confused me as this is the new 13th Zodiac sign! I went searching for mynew zodiac signs for 2011 trying to find answers. I got annoyed trying to get the straight dope out of any one website but eventually pieced together the answers to all your questions.

So, let’s cut to the chase, who is this Ophiuchus fellow and what is my new Zodiac Sign?

Ophiuchus is a large constellation located around the celestial equator. Its name is Greek (Ὀφιοῦχος) for ‘serpent-bearer’, and it is commonly represented as a man grasping the snake that is represented by the constellation Serpens. Ophiuchus was one of the 48 constellations listed by the second-century astronomer Ptolemy, and it remains one of the 88 modern constellations. It was formerly referred to as SerpentariusEnglish pronunciation: /ˌsɜrpənˈtɛəriəs/, a Latin word meaning the same as its current name.

About 2,000 years ago, the astrological signs and the astronomical ones were the same. But not anymore. The locations of the signs are based on the sun’s location on the first day of spring. That location in the sky has slowly drifted westward because of something called “precession” — the earth continually wobbles (a scientific term for a slight motion) every 26,000 years. Since the constellations were first identified, they have shifted some 30 degrees. Translation: The signs have slipped about a month westward, relative to the stars. [Via Yahoo News]

What does this mean for me?

Your life will not change, you are still you. I do find it interesting reading these news dates and thinking about how many times I actually felt closer to the sign I am. How about you? Does your new sign fit you or did your original sign fit you? Do you think we find a way to associate ourselves with the various signs? Humans are always seeking answers and the zodiac has always been a way to feel like we have some kind of control over our future. It also helps us lay down some rules on why people do the things they do.

What do you think about the zodiac? Do you even believe in Astrology? If so, how do you feel about your new sign?

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About Jonathan G. Nelson

Jonathan G. Nelson is the editor-in-chief and owner of NERD TREK. He is also owner/publisher at AAW Games / AdventureAWeek.com, a tabletop gaming company based in Snoqualmie, WA.
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